“More Than A Cyclist” 2024

Healthy Cities Illawarra, “More Than A Cyclist Campaign” is returning to the Illawarra hoping to improve safety for all bike users trying to reach their destinations safely. “More Than Cyclist Campaign” aims to humanise cyclists and recognise the person under the helmet. The campaign uses images from real, local Illawarra residents to highlight the vulnerability of cyclists.

Healthy Cities Illawarra is aiming to improve the safety of bike users on roads due to the low active transport rates, and an alarming number of accidents occurring to local bike riders . In September of 2023, three serious incidents occurred to individual cyclists in one week within the Illawarra.

Our “More Than A Cyclist” campaign supports the Wollongong 2030 Cycling Strategy which aims to make cycling a preferred option of transport. The strategy focuses on ensuring we are developing the city as a space that balances the needs of people who cycle and want to cycle . Whilst the council’s strategy aims to improve off-road cycling infrastructure, there remains a need for cyclists to use the road. We hope to promote drivers’ awareness of cyclists’ shared road rights.

This year’s campaign sees an infusion of new energy, with new talent representing an array of different local organisations, sports teams, and workplaces. Among them are notable community members such as Mathew McMaugh, Gabriel Stephenson, Edward Birt, Manami Henderson, Isabella Rooney, and Louise Meyrick. They have embraced cycling not only as a means of reducing stress and enjoying the outdoors but also as a way to improve their mental and physical well-being while contributing to a more sustainable environment.

Manami Henderson, a dedicated health professional, exemplifies the balance many strive for in their daily lives. As a mother and volunteer, she navigates a demanding schedule yet finds time to incorporate cycling into her routine. “I frequently cycle short distances for school runs, kids’ sports, and small shopping trips—activities that many of us typically rely on cars for,” she shared. Her story reflects a growing reality and a rising trend of using bicycles for everyday tasks.

Our first time commencing the campaign in 2022, saw an incredible response and had reached half a million people from both online platforms and physical billboards . Additionally, the cycling participation rate in Wollongong has risen from 72,000 local riders in 2020 to 101,800 by the end of 2023 (around a 20% increase), with a considerable influence from the UCI championship held in Wollongong 2022.

The increasing number of bike riders emphasises the need for heightened awareness and improved adherence to cycling safety regulations. As we relaunch this vital campaign, we are committed to expanding our reach and emphasising how the “More Than A Cyclist” campaign is more than a call for safer roads; it is a call to recognise the humanity behind every cyclist.

We invite you to be part of this campaign by helping us share its message far and wide. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and reach more people in our community. Your support in sharing this campaign will amplify its purpose and bring us closer to our goal.

Healthy Cities Illawarra